Why is it important to work hard and help others?- Dignity of Workers and the Rights of Workers

Gospel Virtues: Grateful & Generous
British Values: Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Our question for this half term is: “Why is it important to work hard and help others?” We will explore this across the curriculum through the Catholic Social Teaching theme of Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers, helping children understand that all work has value and that we are called to treat others fairly and supportively in the workplace and beyond.

In History, we will be historians investigating the question: “How did explorers change the world?” Children will develop their historical skills by explaining what explorers do, naming the equipment or transport an explorer might need, and sequencing photographs from different periods of time. They will learn to identify important explorers—such as Christopher Columbus, Dame Ellen MacArthur, Matthew Henson, and Mary Kingsley—and understand where they travelled and what they achieved.

Children will select the most important events in a historical story and sequence events on a timeline, using this to retell stories accurately. They will describe what they can see in photographs, make inferences about images, and ask questions to further their understanding. Throughout the unit, they will recall information about past and present exploration, understand events in relation to the present day, and compare how exploration has changed over time.

Through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, children will reflect on how explorers’ work contributed to the wider world and how hard work and cooperation can have lasting impacts. They will consider how showing care and diligence in our own work, and helping others succeed, reflects the dignity of work and respect for others’ contributions.

By the end of the unit, children will be able to explain the role of an explorer, identify key explorers and their achievements, sequence historical events, and make connections between past exploration and the present. They will also be encouraged to reflect on the value of hard work, teamwork, and helping others—developing curiosity, responsibility, and remembering their ‘golden nuggets’ of knowledge.